#stalwaria

"Hi, Princess!" Etie didn't mind all the new faces she'd encountered during her time in the games, but she was comforted to see that a few familiar ones had decided to stay back on the Central Island this week. The comfort of friends made the pressure of this whole acting thing a lot less daunting... at least for the moment. Edelgard definitely had an intimidating air, but Etie had spent enough time around her to know better now. She was nice! A total softie underneath that powerful exterior. "I take it you decided to take a break this week, too? Well... not that any of this is a break, but you know. It's a lot less taxing than the games, that's for sure."

Seeing the familiarity of Etie sparked a twinkle of warmth in the princess's eyes as she offered an affirmative nod: "I believe so, too. As much as I've found pleasure in the front lines, I've now realized there is merit in taking my time. Margrave Gautier has told me as much just recently." From a game of coin chasing to finding herself idle, perhaps his words would prove fruitful even here.

No longer equipped with axe in hand, she stood under the sun and pressed a hand up to her forehead. "It's comforting to see you following the same line of thought." At least, that was Edelgard's assumption. Etie was a strong person, finding herself admiring the strength. It was different than her own, but it was Etie's alone.

Though Panette may never know and may never come to know the pride one, not just Etie, takes in appearance. Copal eyes scan over her figure once more. That and strength training, those Firenese seem to have a liking to. She could respect it, it may not be for her, but she acknowledges the dedication.

She shakes her head, not out of astonishment, but incredulity. She does not disdain exercise, but she does not have a penchant for it either. Her redheaded companion on the other hand however… Why, Panette guesses that she could run and train until her limbs unravel from her person. 

Just as she is about to deliver her own opinion on the intense and absurd idea, Etie spits out an even more insane idea, almost risible that she chuffs at it  only to realize she is the only one laughing. Panette’s brows knit together. 

She hears it, sometimes: the sniffling.

It's faint, and it never lasts for very long, but Etie has come to recognize the sound from beyond the closed doors of Princess Céline's bedchamber; and sometimes, even in the Hall of the Caring Princess' ring.

The prince isn't around much, during her visits. And whenever Etie asks about him, she gets a gentle swat to the arm and a scolding look from her mother, while Queen Ève just seems... sad.

Resting, is always the answer.

It's never something she brings up during her tea parties with Princess Céline ("that would be rude", her mother's voice echoes in her mind), but she doesn't like leaving it be, either.

So when she hears the sniffles, Etie hides and waits. And once Céline is ready to face the world, Etie is always there to greet her with a smile and bouquet of her village's prettiest flowers.

"I know I came a bit early today, but Mother was going on and ON about some new boutique in the castle town," Etie rambles on, walking with Céline through the castle's halls, "She wanted me to go with her, but I was too excited to see you! What do you have prepared for today?"

She is learning how to tuck away the woes; the growing steeled heart and thrumming defense knowledge becoming all too familiar of a visage.

Mother oft repeats the same words— That she must prepare to take the throne, just in case. A heavy weight thrusted upon a young girl's shoulders as she mourns for a future she hopes never comes. She hears the whispers and sees the sights. Her fingers twirl in her lap.

As she momentarily closes that world behind bedroom doors, Etie is there. She greets her with normalcy— Talks of a boutique, plans for the day. Eyes of green open at the sight, painting away her straightened lips with a curious tilt. She knew not if her irises still stung of ridden tears, but if they did, the princess is pleased neither bring it up.

"I much rather you'd be here earlier than later," she says softly with a smile. The scent of flowers perishes the burdened emotion, finding herself hit with the most wonderful of sights. The kind face to ease her ever-growing nerves holding them allows her to drop her shoulders.

Her greeting to Brodia's prince is a respectful one, given his station, and relative unfamiliarity with her. Though they spent the better part of a year fighting in the same army, she had never crossed paths with him much before today. But the Brodian people were ones she'd always been curious about, awed by their strength, discipline, and training techniques.

And he was an archer, wasn't he...? A prince, at that. He probably knew the best of the best when it came to training methods.

"Let's do our best out there! With you around, I'm sure Team Sheep is in great hands."

A smile, "And... if you ever have the time, I'd love to talk about archery. Maybe even trade some tips, training routines? I've always been curious about the Brodian style."

"Hello, Etie—ah, sorry, Lady Etie..." It's to Alcryst's understanding that she's some sort of Firenese noble. Honestly, she's always struck him as someone who didn't care for traditional courtesies, but better safe than sorry.

It's a shame they haven't spoken much before, so he's glad for the opportunity now. Even if the first thing Alcryst wants to do is put himself down... "Thank you. But, it won't be just me, but everyone on our team doing our best. Including you!"

Especially with the hardships her past seemed to have held.

"Etie, busting in! And I have a special delivery." Etie calls out as she enters the Lions' classroom, a pink cake box held in her arms, wrapped with a white ribbon, and topped with a bouquet of flowers. "From my hometown, to you."

First, she offers the bouquet. "Marigolds, cultivated in my hometown. They just reminded me of you, you know? Joyful, strong... you're one of my biggest inspirations in that regard, and I wanted to represent it through this. Next is... um, hold on—"

With the bouquet out of her arms, Etie offers the pink box next. "Ta-da! You can open it whenever you feel like, but I hope you like peach! ...And cake. Peach cake. Hope you like it."

The archer chuckles, somewhat sheepishly. "I had some peaches sent in from my village too, and used them to bake this for you. It's always been one of my favorite pieces of home. I feel calm whenever I have some, and I wanted to share it with you."

She smiles, "Happy birthday, Yunaka."

"All the way from home?" Yunaka repeats. Etie's not very subtle outside of combat. Yunaka heard her approaching long before she arrived, and simply raised her head to smile at her when she came parading into the classroom. "Like, across the ocean and everything? And it's still fresh? Wow..." The flowers were just as sturdy as the people she met from Firene...

Her casual tone goes directly against the excitement already bubbling in her. Gifts! For her! Twice in one day! Her fingers drum rapidly against the top of her desk until she holds her hands out to take things from Etie.

The bouquet is expected, especially after Alfred also brought her one. It's also incredibly welcomed, as sniffing the flowers makes a perfectly good excuse to hide her face as Etie starts explaining why she picked them. "Aw, I'm sure you could find plenty of people who are stronger than me..." And better people, more suited to being an inspiration than her... She hopes her face is a little less red when she pulls it out of the flowers again. "Thanks though...seriously, that's so sweet of you."

And homemade peach cake. She'd have matching stars in her eyes if she could. "Uh, I only like it a whole freaking lot. And you made it? That's amazing, Etie!" She didn't even need to see it to know that she'd done a good job.

Yunaka tucks the bouquet into the crook of her elbow as she stands. Rather than taking the box, she places her hands over Etie's to keep her from leaving. "I hope by share it with me, you meant share it with me right now. As completely and totally delish as it sounds, I think I'd like it a lot better with good company. We can even get some of those fancy Fódlan teas and see how they compare to the stuff you guys make, yeah?"